Complications and Risks of obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCD can affect many parts of life, especially if untreated. With treatment, most of these problems can be reduced.

Mental health

• Depression, which is common and can be serious
• Anxiety disorders, panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts. Seek help right away. Call 112, or Tele-MANAS at 14416 in India.
• Alcohol or substance use to cope

Daily life

• Time lost to rituals, lateness and missed activities
• Trouble in school, college or work
• Avoiding places, people or tasks
• Difficulty looking after oneself or home

Relationships

Strain with family, friends and partners, especially when relatives get drawn into rituals or become frustrated.

Physical effects

• Skin damage from washing, such as cracks, dermatitis and infection
• Injuries from rituals
• Poor sleep and tiredness
• Weight changes, if food rules or medicine side effects occur

Related conditions

Tic disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders and hoarding can occur with OCD.

Treatment effects

Medicine side effects, and relapse if treatment is stopped too early.

Children

Falling grades, withdrawal and conflict at home.

Reducing the risk

Early treatment, completing therapy, taking medicines as prescribed, family support and relapse planning.

Remember

Complications are far less likely when OCD is treated. Reach out early, and seek urgent help for any thoughts of self-harm.

When to get help

See a psychiatrist or psychologist if thoughts and rituals take more than an hour a day, cause distress or limit your life. Do not stop or replace prescribed medicines with herbs, and do not give herbs or home remedies to children without a paediatrician's advice. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 or Tele-MANAS at 14416 in India.